Commission asks staff to get architectural options for library/media-recreation plan

Lynn Haven — Commissioners asked staff to obtain architectural options for reimagining the citys library and senior/recreation facilities, including possibilities that would reuse existing city buildings rather than building a standalone new library that would carry ongoing operating costs.

Finance Director Kiki Roman, speaking both as a staffer and at one point as a citizen, urged commissioners to consider a multi-use recreation center with a media center component rather than a stand-alone library because it would serve more residents across age groups. “I see a need for a recreation center where the city could offer things for older adults … You get to practice a media center slash library into a recreation building,” Roman said.

Staff reminded the commission that previous insurance and FEMA proceeds related to the Hurricane Michael loss had provided roughly $1.9 million associated with the former library account, and that prior citizen feedback had favored reusing an existing city facility over building a new standalone center that would carry an additional estimated $300,000 a year in operating costs. Roman and other staff said architectural options could be produced for a modest fee and recommended a workshop or community charrette to review alternatives before committing construction funds.

Commissioners asked staff to include design options in upcoming budget and workshop materials; one commissioner suggested budgeting roughly $12,000 for schematic design work. No formal funding decision was made; staff will prepare an architect scope and present options to the commission in a workshop to inform any future budget allocation.